The European Forest Institute (EFI) is an international organisation with 30 member countries and around 130 Associate and Affiliate member organisations. EFI undertakes forest-related research and provides policy support at pan-European and global levels.
EFI’s headquarters are in Joensuu, Finland, with offices in Barcelona, Bonn, Edinburgh and Rome, and a project office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia under its Global Partnerships Unit. EFI has approximately 180 staff members and an annual turnover of over EUR 30 million.
Further information is available at https://www.efi.int.
About the role
EFI is seeking an Administrative Assistant to join the Internal Support Team of the Global Partnerships Unit. The team supports the efficient use of funding and ensures the smooth administration of unit operations and programmes.
This position has a particular focus on travel coordination and related administrative processes within a dynamic, international environment.
About the Global Partnerships Unit
The Global Partnerships Unit is a global centre of knowledge and expertise supporting policy and governance reforms to safeguard the world’s forests.
It promotes sustainable forest and land use to protect and restore forests, enhancing their contribution to green economic growth, climate change mitigation and poverty alleviation. The Unit also supports legal, deforestation-free and sustainable commodity production and trade.
Key responsibilities
In this role, you will:
-
Assist with visa applications, travel planning, flight bookings, and supporting the expense and travel claims process.
-
Process travel claims and maintaining an overview of the Facility’s travel schedules and associated expenses.
-
Providing user support and training to team members at the Barcelona office on the use of travel management software.
-
Handling practical and administrative tasks related to the organisation of meetings and events.
Employment conditions
-
Duty station: Barcelona Spain
-
Contract type: Fixed‑term contract
-
Contract duration: Two (2) years, with possibility of renewal subject to funding and performance
-
Working time: Full‑time (100%)
-
Expected start date: To be agreed
EFI offers a competitive salary and benefits package and a stimulating international working environment.
How to apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit (in English):
-
A motivation letter outlining their suitability for the position and
-
A detailed CV
Applications should be submitted via EFI’s online application system by the 10th August 2026 23:59 CET.
For more information about the position, please contact Niina Verkerk, Operations Support Manager: [email protected]
EFI is committed to preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH). All positions are subject to safe recruitment procedures as outlined in EFI SEAH Policy.
EFI is an equal-opportunity employer. All applications will be treated confidentially.
Essential:
-
Minimum of 2 years working experience in a similar position.
-
Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
-
Capacity for initiative, service attitude and track record of pragmatic problem-solving skills.
-
Excellent organizational skills
-
Ability to work under pressure and be flexible as part of a small team.
-
Demonstrated ability of working in multi-disciplinary teams in multi-cultural environments.
-
Professional proficiency in written and spoken English, Spanish and French.
Desirable:
-
Experience with development cooperation projects and procedures is an asset.
